Animal gestation periods
I can use information to predict the gestation periods of different animals.
- Year 5
Animal gestation periods
I can use information to predict the gestation periods of different animals.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Gestation is the period of time that an animal carries its offspring inside its body before giving birth.
- Patterns can be found in the gestation periods of different animals.
- Larger animals tend to have longer gestation periods (as they tend to produce larger offspring).
- Scientists can use patterns in their results to make predictions for further investigations.
- The gestation periods of different animals can be found out by observing them or by carrying out research.
Keywords
Animal - An animal is a living thing which moves and eats other animals or plants.
Offspring - Living things create offspring when they reproduce.
Gestation period - A gestation period is the amount of time an animal carries its offspring inside its body before giving birth.
Prediction - A prediction is a statement saying what you think will happen.
Research - To research something is to find out about it or investigate it carefully.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that humans are not animals.
Explain that humans are animals and are part of the mammal group. Make clear the characteristics we have that mean we fit into this group.
Equipment
Access to the internet for research (optional)
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these animal types give birth to live young?
Q2.Which of these is not a mammal?
Q3.What are an animal’s offspring?
Q4.Which of these words means to find out more about something by using other sources of information?
Q5.When animals make more of the same type of animal, it is called .
Q6.When scientists say what they think will happen in an investigation, it is called a .
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When an animal is growing inside its mother’s body, it is called a period.
Q2.Which of these animals is likely to have the shortest gestation period?
Q3.Which of these animals would not spend time gestating inside its mother’s body?
Q4.Starting with the longest, order these animals according to the length of their gestation period.
Q5.Look at the table. What would be a sensible prediction for the gestation period of a fox?
